Tag: indie author

Book Review: Heavenly Bodies (Heavenly Bodies #1) by Imani Erriu

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 620 pages
Author: Imani Erriu
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 14th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“I defy the stars.”

In a world where no entities exist but the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both.
But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara’s Kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighbouring country.
As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars’ deceit, she also finds herself learning more about the country she is forced to take refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon.
Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows that begs to be broken free.

DO I READ BOOK TWO?

I’m so conflicted. I’m aware I gave this four stars, but it’s a confusing thought process to get here.

I thought that this was an easy read. It’s 600 pages and honestly, most of it flies right by. I love that. I loved the found family aspects and the side characters shown well. The romance grew on me and I felt very much invested by the end.

BUT. Okay, WHERE WAS THE PLOT? I know the whole idea is that she’s been ousted from her kingdom and needs to win it back, but that never really got going?? I can’t believe I’ll say this, it felt like there was too much romance and the rest of the story to fill everything out was missing. The antagonist was weak and I wasn’t connected with the heart of Elara and Enzo’s character arcs. [I did love Enzo though].

Now the meddling gods were great. That is one of my favorite fantasy tropes. And even when you could see it coming I loved the way the fated romance played out. I’m genuinely curious what will happen next, and at the same time, not sure I should keep going?!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 3-4 open; high explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, loss of life, murder, weapons violence, magical violence, nightmares, child abuse, executions

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Book Review: Oceans of Sand by Jessica Flory

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Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 325 pages
Author: Jessica Flory
Publisher: Immortal Works
Release Date: June 20th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Winner of the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards for young adult epic fantasy.

Love weakens his magic, and survival is far from guaranteed.

Oceans of Sand has been called “Exquisite.” (Indies Today) and “A journey you won’t want to return from.” (Readers’ Favorite).

One girl. Her boat. An ocean of sand to cross.
Norah’s desert world has always been treacherous, with the roiling ocean of sand, giant scorpions, and brutal sandstorms—but now an unnatural famine plagues the desert nations and threatens to destroy all.
Despite being the only one in her village without a sand gift, Norah is chosen with her best friend, Zadock, to sail across the ocean of sand in search of the legendary moonstone, an artifact that could end the famine.
As Norah and Zadock set off on their journey, secret romantic feelings each has suppressed for years rise to the surface. Love weakens sand gifts, and if they act on their feelings, Zadock’s sand gift will disappear.
Caught in a crossfire between forbidden feelings, an unforgiving desert, and starving nations willing to do anything to survive, Norah and Zadock discover the true meaning of sacrifice—and that love can heal the world.

Thank you to the author for a gifted audiobook.

TOOK ME BY THE BEST SURPRISE.

This was one of those books not on my radar that now has quickly become a new favorite. What a fantastic young adult fantasy book that gave me all the things I love.

I thought the world was very interesting. I loved the sand concept and the different groups of people mixed with beliefs and how the sand worked for everyone. It was intriguing and while predictably unfolded, still kept my attention and was just a solidly good read.

The romance is sweet, I wish I had gotten a tiny bit more tension or angst from them, but it was really heartfelt. And I’m curious where things will go in book two??

I also loved the three POV’s. They all provided unique angles and seeing the good vs. the misunderstood really shaped the story telling overall. I will absolutely be recommending this one and look forward to the continuation.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate

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Book Review: Emerald of the Sea by Kimberly Pearl

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 330 pages
Author: Kimberly Pearl
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: July 1st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Backstabbing pirates. Extravagant dinner parties. Falling in love with the one man who’s out of reach. Seventeen-year-old Emma doesn’t know who she is or where she came from. The not-exactly-legal merchant ship she was raised on is the only home she’s ever known, and she’s had enough of the captain’s lies. Her plans to break free from her three-masted prison are thrown off course by a deadly mutiny, and she finds herself on the run with a target on her back. A charming naval officer becomes her unlikely companion, and though they’re constantly running from danger, Emma is even more afraid of the feelings she’s developing for a man she’ll likely never see again—if she can ever make it home. Maggie’s only friend in the world is the kitchen boy who works in her manor. When Maggie’s mother dies, she’s left to be raised by a controlling father whose only concern is marrying her off to the highest bidder. But when Maggie returns from finishing school, she finds that the kitchen boy isn’t a boy anymore, and he’s starting to feel like much more than just a childhood best friend. How can she choose a husband from the upper crust of society when her heart lies with the boy downstairs? When Emma’s and Maggie’s fates collide, the secrets from the past begin to unravel. But when danger finds them, will they regret pulling the thread?

FANTASTIC STARTER.

I am 100% invested in continuing this series. I loved how the dual POV was written for this book and seeing how the story unfolded. I kept having many different thoughts on how it would all come together and let’s just say I was blindsided on many fronts and I LOVE when a book can do that.

I love all of these characters (and I’m purposely trying to stay vague because I think this will be best to go in blind if you can) and feel emotionally attached to them. I NEED ANSWERS. This was a big high seas adventure with plenty of action and some really sweet moments too.

For a short fantasy I think not having a magic system worked as a strong positive. You get the world building that’s necessary but I wasn’t left wanting with explanations of other things. I look forward to seeing the world expand in the next book.

NEED THE NEXT BOOK.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate – high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, weapons violence, ship wrecks, near death experiences, loss of life

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ALC Book Review: Ashes of You (Lost & Found #5) by Catherine Cowles

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Romantic Suspense
Length: 401 pages
Author: Catherine Cowles
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 8th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Five years ago, I nearly lost everything. But there was a glimmer of hope on that darkest night. There was him—a stranger I could never forget.

Now, I’m finally getting the fresh start I’ve longed for. But when I show up to interview for a nanny position in the small mountain town, the single dad has startlingly familiar blue eyes.

Eyes that have haunted my dreams for the past five years.

Lawson Hartley is everything I know I can’t have. Older, handsome, and my boss. Not to mention the shadows in his eyes that tell me he has demons, too.

Still, he seems to understand me better than anyone I’ve ever met. So gentle and careful of my scars, yet somehow making me believe I’m stronger than I ever thought possible.

And when his lips touch mine, I’m lost.

We find what we’ve been missing in each other. But the terrors of my past aren’t done with me yet, and this time, Lawson might not be able to save me..

Thank you to Catherine Cowles for the ALC.

WORTH THE WAIT.

Ohhhh I have been anxiously waiting for this final book for the Lost & Found series and I loved it, PER USUAL. It had all of my favorite hallmark Catherine Cowles moments and had me in a chokehold all day (yes, I listened to this in one day, I can’t be stopped — second note: these books are FABULOUS on audio). My favorite part of these books is the gasp, or I KNEW IT, that flies out of my mouth every time we get to that big reveal.

I loved the slow burn progression of Lawson and Hallie. Watching that soul mate type of bond cement between them was everrrrrrything. Gosh I loved it. And I am such a sucker for any and all protective hero types. And I got MULTIPLE scenes in that vein which made me a very happy reader.

The sub plots were touching and heartfelt and I loved how those wove back in to the main romance. I am in love with this entire family, all of these characters and I loved seeing everyone again.

Overall audience notes:

  • Romantic Suspense
  • Language: moderate strong
  • Romance: 2-3 brief open door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: active serial killer, torture, near death experiences, weapons and gun violence, physical altercations

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